Lantra Memories: Cheliyi

Within the Lake of Polaris.
Beautiful waterfalls surround this starry grotto to pool into a luminous lake, filling the vaulted
cavern with sparkling white mist. Koi fish of every colour glide throughout the grotto's pool,
pressing against the star lotuses that bloom in abundance before the sidereal falls. Behind one
waterfall's veil of mist, a statue of the Empyreal Goddess can be made out in the hazy fog, Her
stoic figure wrought into the alabaster stone. Though Her expression is inscrutable, Her hands are
pressed together to hold a single star lotus, which impossibly remains in radiant, eternal bloom. A
stately plaque at Her feet reads the following: "As above, so below." Cradled within the marble
Goddess's outstretched hands, an immaculate stone basin awaits the falling waters. Muginn, the ghost-
feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye. Veiled in starlit mist, a
beautiful merian anchoress lingers here in quiet meditation. Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity
stands quietly here, trickles of water playing across her form. She wields a spectral measuring cup
in her left hand and a spatula of twisted vines in her right hand.
You see exits leading north, east, south, west, up, and through a luminous waterfall.

Of humble make, this immaculate stone basin is polished to a perfect smoothness by the river's hand,
bearing no flaws and little ornamentation on its white surface; an inlay of celadon jade provides
its sole embellishment. The bluish-grey gemstone outlines a symbol of the Lady Lantra: an urn
overflowing with water and light. Four perfect streams of water pour forth from the urn, while set
atop the urn's surface rests a star lotus in eternal bloom. Faint and worn, a single inscription has
been etched beneath it.

Gesturing to an immaculate stone basin with a respectful unfurling of his lower
left hand, Avaris inquires, "You have read the requisite scroll, detailing the memories?"

With a slight nod, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Have, yes."

Gently pressing three fingers to her brow, then drawing them to rest upon her heart, Cheliyi smiles
at an immaculate stone basin and intones, "As above, so below." As the words leave her lips, a
bright aura suffuses them both with a calm, soothing white light.
The statue of the Empyreal Goddess glimmers faintly in answer as an immaculate stone basin gently
falls into Cheliyi's hands.

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Avaris echoes the nod with a curt one of his own, shifting into an upright,
dignified posture, his hands clasped at the base of his spine as he looks directly upon Cheliyi,
expressionless. "Before we begin, Cheliyi, I will have a word with you - But perhaps where we are
not disturbing the good anchoresses."

Cheliyi nods to you, gesturing for him to lead the way.

Cheliyi follows you up.
Before the veil of mist.
Sidereal waterfalls spill into the luminous pool of this baptismal font, forming a sparkling veil of
mist. The banks of fog at the base of the cascading water swirl across the marble floors with an
enchanting, mysterious haze, whispering across the mosaic lotus tiles. Pillars of white marble
encircle the fountain, while celadon blue statuettes of veiled priestesses hold urns of overflowing
light before the waters. The starry light that pours forth collects and pools at the centre of the
chamber, where a single star lotus unfurls in eternal bloom. Luminous streams overflow from a
baptismal fountain of water and light here. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a
mischievous glint in his eye.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down.

The glinting blades of Avaris's taloned feet click sharply upon the marble with
each heavy step, the impact of his chitin-plated soles measured as he slows to a stop before the
fountain, turning to face Cheliyi. "You are close with a number of those that are embraced by the
Wyrd." Not a question, or a suggestion - A statement, flat, delivered with the simplicity of a sword
set upon a table. "I cannot command you, in this, or in any fashion." The seven, inhuman eyes that
are embedded in the immobile visor of his face are unwavering in their scrutiny. "However. Unless
the Lady, or another in the Order bids you otherwise, I would have you keep these visions to
yourself. They are gifts from Her. Precious, and imparted with trust."

Avaris's voice grows a shade softer, but harder, colder. "Do not betray that trust."

Cheliyi stares back up at you, her expression oddly stoic for one so used to smiles and laughter.
She simply stares, for a long, long moment, the gaze almost unsettling despite her small size.
Gently, she says, "Mister Avaris. I appreciate your concerns, and I want you to knows, would never.
Never," she repeats with a cold steel, "betray our Lady. I love my family. I love my friends. But I
would not hurt the love and warmth that She has given me. The joy and laughter that I feel every
time in Her presence." Her dull gaze gleams with some inner light, and she adjusts her tinted
spectacles. "Do not doubt me in this."

You think to yourself: A weighing, placing the witnessed instances of camaraderie with the wretched
Wyrden creatures opposite the sincerity of her words, a sword poised between them both.

Cheliyi narrows her gaze. Sharply, she states, "I left them, Mister Avaris. I -came- to Celest. I
would prefer you do not doubt my loyalty at every turns."

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Cheliyi suddenly deflates, rubbing at her brow. "Sorry, sorry. Anger. Do not mean to aim it at you."

There is not so much as a flicker of discernible emotion in Avaris's eyes, nor the
unmoving plates that ward his face as he stares at Cheliyi in turn. "I will be open with you, here,
in this place. You deserve that much." His voice is not ungentle, but nor is it kindly, as he
continues, "I shall doubt it so long as you embrace those that are soiled by the Wyrd, Cheliyi. They
are anathema to Her. It is not your loyalty that I question, but their ability to darken all that
they touch." At Cheliyi's apology, he simply lifts a hand free of its brethren and waves it away,
indifferent.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "I am no stranger to anger, Cheliyi. It is fine."

Cheliyi waves her own hands. "No, no. Is not. Was undues. You just want to defend Her, defend Her
realm from any dangers. I understands. And... fine. Can doubt, then. But doubt will not change my
promise, nor how I will act. Not a word from my lips. It is sworn."

Avaris's chin lowers in a slow, approving nod. "Nor should it. If anything, it
should strengthen your conviction. Such is Fortitude." His head twists slightly, shifting to one of
the exits. "However. We shall begin with Purity."

The Font of Purity.
Glistening waterfalls surround this marble font, sculpted in homage to Lantra, the White. Beautiful
doves carved from mother-of-pearl soar about Her with silent joy, their wings gliding through the
waterfalls to spray a gentle mist of sparkling white. The Goddess's long robes flow to the waters
below, Her hands outstretched to cradle a single star lotus held within Her palms, captured in
eternal bloom. Endless living star lotuses blossom at Her feet, unfurling their dewy petals to
reveal their sparkling hearts. Muted sconces of soft starlight provide a soft, ambient light to this
chamber, twinkling in and out like constellations on the walls. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie
perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye.

You sense a quiet, unseen presence watching you here, at once both calming and disquieting.

Cheliyi closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

Cheliyi drops an immaculate stone basin.
The statue of Lantra, the White shines with immaculate light as an immaculate stone basin slowly
fills with luminous waters from the Font of Purity.

"Drink," a calm, feminine voice echoes through the chamber, "and know of the Soul, and that which
must be defended against all corruption."

As the waters quiet, an immaculate stone basin vanishes in a flash of blessed light, returning once
more to Cheliyi's hands.

Cheliyi stares implacably at an immaculate stone basin.

As Cheliyi drinks of an immaculate stone basin, her eyes briefly shine with a pure, immaculate white
light.

His steps purposeful, but measured, Avaris approaches the Font, before which he
bows deeply, the motion fluid and elegant, despite his bulk. An antenna flicks towards Cheliyi as
Cheliyi partakes of the basin, curling down in a faint frown before he steps off to one side,
waiting.

Cheliyi blinks rapidly, clearly sorting through a memory of some kind. She opens her mouth, closes
it, and then sighs.

Avaris remains silent, watching Cheliyi impassively.

Softly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity asks, "Lady Serenity...?"

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

You think to yourself: Immediately, two memories, sharp and clear, come to mind, and are examined,
though they have long since been etched indelibly into his mind.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "I do not
know why, but it felt.... upset, suddenly."

Avaris lowers his head in understanding, gesturing to the font with a gentle motion
of his lower left hand. "I had wondered which you would receive first. There are, to my knowledge,
two featuring the Bloom of Serenity within the Font of Purity. I know of which you speak. Tell me,
Cheliyi. What can you interpret from it, regarding Purity?"

Slowly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "That... friendship, it can be pure and
empowerings?"

Avaris says nothing for a time, the flared edges of his jaw tilting up a degree.

Cheliyi shifts her weight, staring down at the basin. "Was a memory of Lady Empyreals explaining,
that Her friends gave her strength. They seemed... happy."

Avaris dips his head, still angled minutely, in a slow nod. "Indeed. That is not
all She spoke of within it, but it is an important feature of that memory. You are free to dwell on
it for as long as you feel you need to - I am in no hurry."

Cheliyi frowns pensively.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity murmurs, "Guess,
will..."

Cheliyi drops an immaculate stone basin.
No matter how many luminous waters flow over an immaculate stone basin, they refuse to rise further
under the stony gaze of the statue of Lantra, the White.

As the waters quiet, an immaculate stone basin vanishes in a flash of blessed light, returning once
more to Cheliyi's hands.

Cheliyi grins sheepishly.

Avaris immediately holds a hand up.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Stop."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Yes, the
basin already told me noes, yes."

With an embarrassed laugh, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Apologies, yes."

Avaris dips his head in a brisk nod, the faintest flicker of red whispering through
the markings of his wings. "I would ask you to be less hasty in this, Cheliyi. You will tire Her."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi blanches suddenly.

Horrified, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "This take essence from Hers?"

Cheliyi glances at the basin with a clear mixture of trepidation and sudden guilt.

Avaris lowers his hand to brush his fingertips against the rounded surface of the
ampoule. "Gifts rarely come without a cost, of some form."

(Celestial Gathering): Gyorn (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Glad Cheliyi is running for
Diamondlight cartel leader person."

With a frown, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity murmurs, "Will go offer as soon as I cans, yes."

Avaris dips his head aside, emitting a low, humming sound. "It taxes Her in other
ways, I feel, but by all means." Offering Cheliyi a faint, reassuring nod, a few motes of light
flaring fitfully to life within his eyes, he says, "You did not know. It is fine - I did much the
same, by accident. You may partake of Her memories once a day."

Cheliyi looks less tense, and she nods slightly. "Guess... must wait for the next day to partake of
the next font?"

The blades of Avaris's crest glimmer softly in the light as he shakes his head in a
negative. "I do not believe so. Let us proceed, with a touch less haste."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Cheliyi follows you southeast.
The Font of Devotion.
The refined elegance of Lantra, the Blessed Mother is made manifest in this beautiful alabaster
font, the sculpture's eyes aglow with adoration as She stands upon a marble pedestal with hands
pressed to Her heart. Her gaze falls upon the Supernals of Celestia whom watch over these blessed
waters, each sculpted into the chamber's six surrounding columns. A shimmering aureole surrounds
Elohora, her hands extended upwards in a sign of benevolence to the Goddess while Shakiniel guards
her sister's left, her gold-embossed shield raised and sword in hand. To the right stands the noble
Methrenton, his armour imbued with a soft iridescence; Raziela follows, her slight form shown
singing beneath an arbour of yellow daisies. Japhiel emerges from the next pillar, his stern gaze
fixated upon the heavy gilt tome held in his hands. The final column resembles a faint masculine
figure, though its face is faded, as if lost to memory. Golden lotuses stand serenely at the base of
each pillar, illuminated with motes of starlight that cast luminous ripples across the room. Muginn,
the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye.
You see exits leading east, southwest, and northwest.

Moving to stand by the sculpture of Methrenton, Avaris once again assumes a stance
of patient vigilance, watching Cheliyi intently.

Cheliyi pauses, and glances at the last sculpted pillar of the font. "I thought... were only five
Supernals, yes."

Unfurling to reveal their starry hearts, radiant lotuses bloom upon these waters with a stoic grace.

Avaris does not so much as twitch his face in the direction of the indistinct
figure, nor do any of the lambent eyes that rest within his wings turn their attention to it. In a
calm, even voice, he replies, "There are only five Supernals."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "We can discuss such afterwards. It is not a fit
topic for Her Realm."

Cheliyi nods slightly, still frowning. With a soft exhale, she centers herself, and gently lays the
basin in the waters.

Cheliyi drops an immaculate stone basin.
The statue of Lantra, the Blessed Mother shines with ardent light as an immaculate stone basin
slowly fills with luminous waters from the Font of Devotion.

"Drink," a calm, feminine voice echoes through the chamber, "and know of Faith, and that which
guides a purposeful existence."

As the waters quiet, an immaculate stone basin vanishes in a flash of blessed light, returning once
more to Cheliyi's hands.

As Cheliyi drinks of an immaculate stone basin, her eyes briefly shine with a warm, compasssionate
golden light.

Cheliyi blinks slower this time, recognition flashing across her features. Quietly, she muses, "Miss
Raziela... They tried to heal her? Or maybe, it is just showing how healing is done..."

The glittering mist around Muginn burns away, the moaning visages of the damned slowly seeping back
into his coat.

With more conviction, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Was... a teaching lesson. For
future Hamadhi..."

As he waits, several of Avaris's smaller light-forged eyes drift inexorably towards
the statue of the Empyreal, softening in an indefinable manner. As Cheliyi speaks, his antennae
flick up in surprise, curiosity clear in his layered voice as he asks, "Indeed? I have not been
gifted with that memory, as of yet. Would you describe it to me?"

You think to yourself: "Ah, so there are more after all. Your generosity knows no bounds, Lady. You
are so good to us."

Thoughtfully, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity murmurs, "It was of our Lady, beginning
instruction at the behest of Lady Amberle and Lord Eventru. She was showing how to heal, by using...
seven? Seven crystals to manage the Divine energies in Miss Raziela. There were... Dorgori, and Lord
Weiwae, and..."

Cheliyi suddenly grimaces.

Quieter, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Lady Malmydia."

Cheliyi shudders violently.

Avaris listens with evident interest, the thick red lines of his antennae twitching
animatedly at their tips as Cheliyi speaks. A flash of red illuminates the markings of his wings at
the last name spoken, brief and flaring in its intensity, before it fades almost immediately. At
length, he nods, a touch stiffly. "I see. How would you relate this to Devotion?"

You think to yourself: Bright and glittering interest, buoyed upon gentle wave of unexpected delight
at knowing that more memories await him - Freezing abruptly at the mention of Malmydia, the name
evoking an immediate surge of cold, hard rage.

Staring down at the basin, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Would relates it by saying
that our Lady's Devotion to Her craft allowed Her to spread life-saving wisdom. It allowed many
Others to learn arts needed later in Their times. If we devote ourselves to tasks we excel at, we
can share our gifts with others, and inspire learning."

The Mantle of Starlight shimmers and twinkles as the starlit darkness that it is formed of continues
its eternal motion.

Unfurling to reveal their starry hearts, radiant lotuses bloom upon these waters with a stoic grace.

Cheliyi smiles softly, scooping up a lotus in one hand to smell it, before gently depositing it back
in the waters.

The gleaming tip of Avaris's sharp, angular chin descends to brush the tips of the
dense tufts of his mane. "That is a fine answer, I think. The Lady was also very Devoted to Lord
Eventru, and Lady Amberle - and to Lady Raziela, of course. You are content to continue?"

Rippling across celestial waves of water and light, the clear voice of the Goddess Lantra resonates
about you, "My Avaris, I would have Cheliyi partake in the memories of the Fonts, if you would teach
her."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

The Font of Fortitude.
Cold, argent light filters through this chamber, which is upheld by stark white pillars illuminated
by starry torchlight. The frescoes painted upon this water-filled chamber are haunting in their
black-and-white shading as they depict the horrors of the Elder Wars. Here, countless Elder Gods
hold Their ground before the likes of Kethuru, Crazen and Zenos, held in proud formations perfected
by the Second Circle. Yet the wounded and dying have begun to pile up behind Them, and while many
faces which grace these walls seem familiar, far more are blurred, as if the memory of Them has
finally begun to fray. A statue of Lantra, the Lady Mediatrix looks upon all these images in
silence, surrounded by startlingly bright red lotuses which blossom at Her feet and crown Her regal
brow. A single crimson lotus blooms eternally in Her outstretched hands as water and light flows
forth from beneath its sanguine petals, as if stained with blood. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie
perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and northwest.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

You sense a quiet, unseen presence watching you here, at once both calming and disquieting.

The warm gold of Avaris's armoured form is painted in frigid, stark shades of
silver as he is bathed in the argent light of the chamber , antennae flicking towards Cheliyi. Once
again taking up station off to one side, he tilts his head at Cheliyi in an inquisitive manner. "You
are troubled?"

Cheliyi's fingertips gently brush against one of the frescoes, her expression soft and sad. "It....
mm."

You sense a quiet, unseen presence watching you here, at once both calming and disquieting.

Cheliyi glances back up at the statue of Lantra in silence, staring at Her expression before she
finally looks away and sets down the basin.

Cheliyi drops an immaculate stone basin.
The statue of Lantra, the Lady Mediatrix shines with soothing light as an immaculate stone basin
slowly fills with luminous waters from the Font of Fortitude.

"Drink," a calm, feminine voice echoes through the chamber, "and know of Hope, and that strength
which refuses to be extinguished by despair."

As the waters quiet, an immaculate stone basin vanishes in a flash of blessed light, returning once
more to Cheliyi's hands.

Cheliyi stares implacably at an immaculate stone basin.

Cheliyi purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her
thoughts.

As Cheliyi drinks of an immaculate stone basin, her eyes briefly shine with a fervent, amber glow.

Cheliyi blinks rapidly, though this time the act holds back tears, rather than any sort of
comprehension.

Watching Cheliyi, still and silent as the statue of the Lady, Avaris displays no
emotion whatsoever as the Font is partaken of, waiting patiently for Cheliyi to process the imparted
memories.

You think to yourself: A low, throbbing ache of remembered pain, of sorrow, of terror. "The waters
of this Font have been salted with many tears, I feel. I understand, Cheliyi, though I cannot shed
my own beside you."

Cheliyi swallows thickly, and nods, scrubbing at her eyes.

Clearing her throat, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Was of Lady Empyreal's sibling,
Lord Darvellan departing. On a mission, where She could not see where He went. Something that She
thought She took for granted. But, instead of saying any of thats, which would make it harder for
Him to leave... only gave Him well wishes." Her voice warbles at the end, and she inhales sharply.
"Was very... strong of Her, yes."

"Ah. The Lady has often had to display immense Fortitude in the face of solitude."
Avaris murmurs, lifting his hand to rest the hard, curved pads of his upper left hand's fingers over
his chest. "Her heart is perhaps the strongest of all. Being alone can be a pain more keenly felt
than the bloodiest wound, I think. I marvel at Her ability to endure for so long."

You think to yourself: An adamant will, a resolve that is as implacable as the steady march of time.
"But She will never again be alone, so long as we draw breath. Never again."

Unfurling to reveal their starry hearts, radiant lotuses bloom upon these waters with a stoic grace.

Softly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Being alone is terrible. Know it wells. And...
She has us now. And Tavi, and Miss Nabithia, and the other Ladies of Celest, yes."

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist
pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Fortitudes,
for this, was enduring the need for Her own validation, and instead providing comfort to Someone who
needed it. While, we should take care of ourselves, it is important to know when to save your
emotions for later. To leave someone unburdened. Even when She did not hear Him again for so
long..."

Cheliyi sighs softly.

Unfurling to reveal their starry hearts, radiant lotuses bloom upon these waters with a stoic grace.

Antennae curving down in a slight frown, Avaris responds, "We can know only the
merest fraction of the isolation She felt, in the absolute absence that is the Void. She spent
millenia there, Cheliyi. I do not think we can even truly imagine what that is like. We are too
limited." He breathes a slow, quiet sigh. "But yes, it is terrible." At Cheliyi's words, he falls
silent once more, listening intently. Nodding, he comments, "Yes. Yet He proved Her salvation in the
end. His Devotion towards Her is humbling. You are familiar with how She returned from the Void?"

Cheliyi shakes her head, listening intently.

You sense a quiet, unseen presence watching you here, at once both calming and disquieting.

Avaris emits a soft sound of comprehension. "He forged a trail of stars to guide
Her here, to the First World. Lady Terentia came across it, along with Her angel companion, and
followed it to the source - Where She found the Lady Empyreal engaged with a Soulless. I suggest
that you read the article yourself, another time - It is not an easy one, but it is important, I
feel. It describes the events better than I can, succinctly."

Cheliyi's eyes widen, and she wordlessly clutches sun-drenched bergamot and spiced plum incense
beads close to her chest.

Cheliyi's eyes widen, and she wordlessly clutches Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess
close to her chest.

In a rush of summery warmth, the rich smell of grasses and flowers rises around Cheliyi in a sultry
wind. Briefly, her face is dappled with patterns of sunlight through waving grasses.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "It is article number four hundred and fifty one,
in the events section of the news archives, to save you the search."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

You nod your head emphatically.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Now, for the last Font."

Cheliyi follows you northwest.
The Font of Wisdom.
This shadowy, water-filled alcove is filled with the gentle susurrus of running water, for cascading
waterfalls rain over its smooth stone walls in a symphony of aquatic sound. A procession of water
lotuses, each lit by a single, luminous star, raise their stems high above the surface of sparkling
water as they surround a statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, Her inscrutable expression veiled from view
as She folds Her hands in quiet contemplation. Seven starry jewels crown the Goddess's brow,
mimicking domothean crystal as they emit an eerie light that dapples the shimmering walls. From
where the light touches stone, faint constellations twinkle into view, drawing a sidereal path
across the walls that leads through the Void-black stone to the west, as if charting a way back to
the Basin of Life. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his
eye.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, and west.

Cheliyi closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Softly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Constellations..."

The chanting of feminine voices echoes throughout the Temple of Lantra, distant and beautiful.

Cheliyi drops an immaculate stone basin.
The statue of Lantra, the Empyreal shines with muted light as an immaculate stone basin slowly fills
with luminous waters from the Font of Wisdom.

"Drink," a calm, feminine voice echoes through the chamber, "and know of Truth, and that which
pursues knowledge with humility."

As the waters quiet, an immaculate stone basin vanishes in a flash of blessed light, returning once
more to Cheliyi's hands.

As Cheliyi drinks of an immaculate stone basin, her eyes briefly shine with a pensive, silvery-blue
light.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

Nodding at Cheliyi, Avaris makes his way over to the walls, brushing the flat of
his palm along the stellar illuminations that run along the stone, his touch wistful. Turning, he
stands so close to the wall that his wings rests against it, though he does not permit himself to
lean upon it as he watches Cheliyi.

At once, the mugwump bristles at something unseen, though it settles again into a pensive frown.
"But... She was right. It was -not- jealousy... was it?" Cheliyi murmurs with confusion.

Endless cascades of water and light flow into this luminous pool, enchanting in its celestial glow.

Several of Avaris's stylised eyes, those made of light that span the golden
firmament of his wings, track to Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie, and then to Cheliyi, waiting.

You think to yourself: "Jealousy? I do not think I know this one."

The light of the Empyreal Goddess envelops an immaculate stone basin with dazzling brilliance,
vanishing in a burst of light.

With clear concern and a hint of anger, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity murmurs, "It was of
our Lady, seeing Lord Krokano's eye for the first time. So many People told Her She was wrong to
worry, that She was just prideful and envious of Lady Malmydia's healing. They only spoke of our
Lady's -failures-" she bites out, bristling once more. "They are Divine, They should-" and at once,
she halts her furious rant, stilling. She sighs, and rubs at her brow. "Sorry, sorry. But it is
clear to see, in the memory, that Krokano.... He holds no joy in His eyes. But She still doubts
Herself..."

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Avaris's gauntleted fingers curl into spiked, creaking bludgeons of tightly reined
fury, the power of the emotion bleeding through to stain the countless eyes of his six wings a
baleful, sullen carmine. Despite this, his voice is cool, almost perfectly composed, were it not for
the subtle heat that simmers beneath the choir of his words. "That one. You will find that many of
the Elders are faithless. They have doubted Her at every turn, when She has more than earned their
trust, their respect, their love. They were undeserving of Her, and did much to wound Her, with
Their words and Their pointed silence."

You think to yourself: The memory, painfully sharp, the edges of Her hurt honed to razors that cut
at him no matter how many times he revisits the vision. He bleeds fury, thick and surging with
outrage, and he will not forgive Them for this.

Endless cascades of water and light flow into this luminous pool, enchanting in its celestial glow.

Cheliyi nods in agreement, her jaw set as her tail lashes behind her. It finally stills, and the
mugwump lets out another sigh. "When... I first spoke to Her, about my own doubts, She said that all
She ever regretted was daring to question Her own integrity and convictions. It... hurts, to see Her
in such turmoil." She sighs again, and rolls her shoulders as if to loosen her chest. "There is
Wisdom, in listening to voices outside your own, to self reflect and truly see if you are at fault.
But... not all voices hold... the same power. The same knowledge. And Wisdom comes with knowing who
to listen to. In this... None of Them were right in Their criticisms."

Softer, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity murmurs, "She told me that as well, now that I thinks
about it."

There is a slight, indiscernible softening to Avaris ,an indefinable quality that
is more apparent in his voice as he speaks, the words brushed with the shining notes of a fondness
that knows no end, no equal. "She is beset by mortals and the doubts we riddle ourselves with, but
She is very patient with us. She understands, as you said. Does it give you hope, to know that even
She knew doubt?"

Softly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "In a way, yes. That Someone so immaculate and
wonderful could have worked through something harder than any of us experience and come out the
other end as Her... it is inspiring. And yet... it is terrible all the same. I do not wish Her to go
through anything like what we do, considering it is more likely to be incomprehensibly painful. To
be... terrible. I do not like that at all."

Avaris lowers his upper left hand to cup his ampoule within the rigid cradle of his
curled, plated fingers, nodding slowly. "I would do anything, to take the hurts She has suffered
from Her. We cannot do so, but we can try our best to bring what happiness to Her that we can,
fleeting as it may be."

The chanting of feminine voices echoes throughout the Temple of Lantra, distant and beautiful.

You think to yourself: A melancholic regard of a precious dream, dismantled and set aside like a
childish toy that he has grown too old for. "Protecting Her is beyond me, but...A smile. Perhaps I
can manage a smile."

Cheliyi nods to you, staring silently at a nearby lotus.

Cheliyi smiles softly.

You sense a quiet, unseen presence watching you here, at once both calming and disquieting.

Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts, Avaris's throat shivers with a brief,
faintly melodic vibration, before he says, "I apologise for not being of more use to you in this,
Cheliyi. I have my own opinions and interpretations on the memories, of course, but I did not think
it Wise to offer them to you, lest they lead you astray." With a brief shrug, he elaborates, "I am
only equal to you within the Order, so I should not seek to teach you. You may wish to seek out Lady
Aeldra, or the other, elder members of the Order, for instruction on the lessons within the
memories."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Looking up, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Ah, do not belittles yourself so muchly
Mister Avaris. Am glad, that you were with me. Obviously cannot -teach- me per says, but did help to
have someone to talk to. To work it outs. I may talk to other peoples laters. But I am glad we were
able to share this, yes."

Avaris lowers his chin in a quick nod. "Yes. I believe that is why She asked me to
be present for this. Moral support, of a sort, and an ear to listen as you processed the memories
aloud."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Remember that you can receive the gift of Her
memories once a day. I encourage you to do so, to grow closer to Her."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Cheliyi looks exhausted and opens her mouth in an enormous yawn.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Maybe...
when I have enough brains to think abouts it."

Cheliyi ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "That would be best, yes."

You tilt your head curiously at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi steeples her fingers together pensively..

Seriously, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "... would it be wise to give you a hugs."

Cheliyi grins innocently.

Endless cascades of water and light flow into this luminous pool, enchanting in its celestial glow.

Avaris stares at Cheliyi for a moment in utter silence, before lifting a warding
hand up, palm-outwards. "Ah. I do not believe so, no. The opposite, perhaps. I appreciate the
sentiment, however, and thank you for it."

Cheliyi looks exhausted and opens her mouth in an enormous yawn.

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

Cheliyi gives a platter of powderfruit elephant mochi to you.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Avaris inclines his head to Cheliyi courteously. "Thank you. I shall be sure to
sample them. Rest well, Cheliyi, and thank you for being patient with me."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Cheliyi waves goodbye.

The Font of Wisdom.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye. Cheliyi is
here, pondering thoughtfully. She wields a spectral measuring cup in her left hand and a spatula of
twisted vines in her right hand.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, and west.

Avaris lifts his lower left hand in a small wave, nodding farewell.